Xbench test1/1/2024 ![]() Since the hardware isn't being virtualized and we're actually booting into Windows, this gives us a pretty fair representation of how the MacBook stacks up against alternative Windows laptops. ![]() This allows us to see how the new MacBook compares to several Windows-based systems. On the next page, you'll find benchmark results of the MacBook running Windows 8.1 64-bit using Boot Camp. And so that's exactly what we did with our first batch of tests - all of the benchmarks on this page are either Mac-only or cross-platform capable, which allows us to compare the MacBook to previous Apple devices we've gotten our hands on. As I'm really enjoying my new 11.6" MacBook Air, I thought it might be interesting to compare it with some other portables I currently own.Our Test Methodologies: This is an Apple MacBook, so it only makes sense that we test it by running compatible benchmarks in OS X. Specifically, I wanted to compare the Air to my previous fave ultra-portable Mac (the 12" PowerBook G4), a Dell Mini 10 running Mac OS X, and my current fave Mac laptop, the high-res anti-glare 15" MacBook Pro. What follows isn't a comprehensive set of benchmarks done under controlled conditions. It's more of a quick look at performance (and measurements and specifications) across a series of machines, three of which can be considered "ultra portables."Īfter browsing the table, keep reading for my thoughts on some of the more interesting results, and some comments about the MacBook Air. #Install xbench 2.9 3.0 same computer series# Featureįootnotes: All machines are running 10.6.6, except for the PowerBook G4, which is running 10.5.8. All tests were run on the normal user account, and as such, do not represent 'clean room' results. Xbench 1.3 was used for all Xbench testing. The openssl speed tests show only the two most-CPU-intensive tests of many that are run by this benchmark. Some things I found interesting while putting this together: See this old Mac OS X Hints entry for more about openssl speed. The 12" PowerBook G4 was expensive for its time.$1799 in 2004 is about $2077 in today's dollars-only $300 or so less than the high-res 15" MacBook Pro. The 11.6" MacBook Air's resolution gives it over 70% more pixels than the Dell Mini 10, and 33% more than the 12" PowerBook G4.4") and wider (by 1.5") than the Dell Mini 10, but weighs 0.6 pounds less, and is never as thick as the Dell, even at its thickest spot.Ĭompared to the 15" MacBook Pro, though, it falls about 70% short in pixel count. Somehow, it manages that while providing more pixels, more battery life, a much faster CPU, and twice the RAM when compared to the Dell. At 2.3 pounds, the MacBook Air is only 0.8 pounds heavier than an iPad.#Install xbench 2.9 3.0 same computer mac os x#įor those 0.8 pounds, you get a full-size keyboard (identical in size to that of the 15" MacBook Pro), higher resolution display, a couple of USB ports, a solid state drive, video out, and a fully functional Mac OS X environment. You don't get built-in 3G (bummer!), or the ability to run iOS apps. Despite being the lightest of the bunch, the MacBook Air is solid. The Dell, by comparison, feels plasticky and cheap. The Dell crams three additional keys into 0.75" less keyboard real estate.Combine that with the somewhat mushy feel of the keyboard, and typing on the Dell Mini is a chore. Typing on the MacBook Air, on the other hand, is the same as typing on any other Mac laptop-because the keyboard is the same. #Install xbench 2.9 3.0 same computer mac# The trackpad on the MacBook Air is huge-10 square inches, versus only 4.5 square inches on the PowerBook G4 and the Dell Mini. (The PowerBook's trackpad is the more usable of those two, though, as the Dell's is long and skinny.) The MacBook Air wins the overall Xbench crown, but only on the strength of its solid state drive.In the other tests, the 15" MacBook Pro is the clear winner. #Install xbench 2.9 3.0 same computer pro# I was surprised to see the Dell Mini was handily faster than the PowerBook G4. Neither of those machines, though, come close to the MacBook Air's performance. So much for the stats.in the real world, the MacBook Air is an amazingly quick machine for anything other than gaming and CPU-intensive activities. The solid state drive launches apps and opens documents very quickly. For my normal needs-which include FileMaker Pro, Excel, web browsing, email, some image editing, and a number of other not-overly-intense applications-it's amazingly fast. The speed of wake on lid open must be seen in person, too-it's basically instant-on, just like an iPad. #Install xbench 2.9 3.0 same computer mac#.#Install xbench 2.9 3.0 same computer series#.#Install xbench 2.9 3.0 same computer pro#.#Install xbench 2.9 3.0 same computer mac os x#.
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